NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Job Task Analysis

Building Energy Auditor

November 2013 — December 2014

Cynthia D. Woodley

Professional Testing Incorporated

Orlando, Florida

NREL Technical Monitor: Charles Kurnik

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-7A40-62384

January 2015
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

15013 Denver West Parkway

Golden, CO 80401

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

Job Task Analysis

Building Energy Auditor

November 2013 — December 2014

Cynthia D. Woodley

Professional Testing Incorporated

Orlando, Florida

NREL Technical Monitor: Charles Kurnik

Prepared under Subcontract No. AXL-4-42107-01

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-7A40-62384

January 2015
NOTICE

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or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed 

herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

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Cover Photos: (left to right) photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 16416, photo from SunEdison, NREL 17423, photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 

16560, photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL 17613, photo by Dean Armstrong, NREL 17436, photo by Pat Corkery, NREL 17721.

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iii

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Executive Summary

This report describes the process for and results of a comprehensive Job Task Analysis (JTA) of 

Energy Auditors. This study was performed by Professional Testing, Inc., on behalf of the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The competency (domains, tasks, and associated 

knowledge) list, which defines the work performed by practitioners, was initially developed by a 

representative panel of practitioners during a meeting held February 3–5, 2014, in Orlando,

Florida. After the job tasks and associated knowledge and skills were identified, a validation 

survey was conducted of the findings of the JTA, and the results of the validation study were 

reviewed by a representative panel of practitioners during a conference call held on May 29, 

2014. The panel finalized the JTA and examination blueprints for the Energy Auditor credential

scheme based on the survey results.
iv

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Acronyms

CHP

DACUM

Combined Heat and Power

Developing a Curriculum

DOE

EEM

EHS

EPA

HVACR

IEQ

U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency Measures

Environmental Health and Safety Plan

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Indoor Environmental Quality

JTA

M&V

Job Task Analysis

Measurement and Verification

NIBS

NOAA

National Institute of Building Sciences

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NREL

OSHA

PPE

PV

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Personal Protective Equipment

Photovoltaic

SD Standard deviation

SEM Standard error of the mean

SME

TMY

Subject matter expert

Typical Meteorological Year
v

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Final Building Energy Auditor DACUM Job/Task Analysis.............................................................. 2

2.1 Building Energy Auditor Job Description ....................................................................................... 2

2.2 Job/Task Analysis DACUM Chart for Building Energy Auditor.................................................... 2

3 Examination Blueprint ....................................................................................................................... 22

4 Job Task Analysis and Survey Validation ....................................................................................... 24

4.1 Survey Development...................................................................................................................... 24

4.2 Survey Dissemination .................................................................................................................... 25

5 Results................................................................................................................................................. 26

5.1 State of Primary Employment........................................................................................................ 26

5.2 Highest Level of Education ........................................................................................................... 28

5.3 Years of Energy Experience .......................................................................................................... 29

5.4 Years of Energy Auditor Experience ............................................................................................. 30

5.5 Work Sector................................................................................................................................... 31

6 Post-Survey Conference Call and Webinar ..................................................................................... 32

6.1 Adequacy of Respondent Demographics....................................................................................... 32

6.2 Job Task Ratings............................................................................................................................ 32

6.3 Tasks or Knowledge Missing......................................................................................................... 36

7 Conclusions and Next Steps............................................................................................................. 37

Appendix A: Energy Auditor Validation Study Survey ......................................................................... 38

Appendix B: List of Write-In Comments ................................................................................................. 51
vi

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List of Figures

Figure 1. Highest level of education ....................................................................................................... 28

Figure 2. Years of energy experience ..................................................................................................... 29

Figure 3. Years of experience specifically as an energy auditor......................................................... 30

Figure 4. Sector in which respondent works ......................................................................................... 31

List of Tables

Table 1. Duties and Tasks of Building Energy Auditor........................................................................... 2

Table 2. Areas of Specialized Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor................................. 3

Table 3. Areas of Building Systems Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor...................... 4

Table 4. Areas of General Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor....................................... 5

Table 5. Skills and Abilities Required of Building Energy Auditor........................................................ 7

Table 6. Attitudes Required of Building Energy Auditor ........................................................................ 8

Table 7. Tools, Equipment and Resources Required by Building Energy Auditor.............................. 9

Table 8. Audit Tools Required by Building Energy Auditor ................................................................... 9

Table 9. Standards, Codes, and Guidelines for Building Energy Auditor........................................... 10

Table 10. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources Required for Communicating with Stakeholders ....................................................... 12

Table 11. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources Required for Developing the Action Plan.................................................................... 12

Table 12. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Required for Conducting Pre-Site Visit Data Collection Activities...................................................... 14

Table 13. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 15

Required for Collecting Data On-site...................................................................................................... 15

Table 14. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Required for Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance.................................... 18

Table 15. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Required for Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance.................................... 20

Table 16. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 21

Required for Producing the Deliverable ................................................................................................. 21

Table 17. Final Proposed Examination Blueprint for Energy Auditor ................................................. 22

Table 18. Summary of Respondent Holistic Ratings............................................................................. 23

Table 19. List of DACUM JTA Participants............................................................................................. 24

Table 20. State of Employment of Respondents ................................................................................... 26

Table 21. List of "Other" Write-In Comments......................................................................................... 27

Table 22. Highest Level of Education ..................................................................................................... 28

Table 23. Years of Energy Experience.................................................................................................... 29

Table 24. Years of Experience Specifically as an Energy Auditor....................................................... 30

Table 25. Sector in Which Respondent Works....................................................................................... 31

Table 26. Means, SDs, and SEM of Rating Scale Responses............................................................... 33

Table 27. Combined Frequency and Importance Scales ...................................................................... 34
1

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1 Introduction

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in conjunction with the National Institute 

of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), led a study to identify 

the critical duties and tasks required of an Energy Auditor. Professional Testing, Inc., used the 

DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process to conduct a Job Task Analysis (JTA) and identify 

the competencies.

A panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) was selected by NIBS and convened by Professional 

Testing, Inc., for a 3-day meeting held February 3–5, 2014, in Orlando, Florida. The 

competencies identified during the meeting were then validated via a survey. This report reflects 

the completion and results of the study, and is organized with section 2 containing the proposed 

final content outline, and the later sections containing the details of the JTA development 

process, including results of the validation survey.
2

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2 Final Building Energy Auditor DACUM Job/Task 

Analysis

2.1 Building Energy Auditor Job Description

The Commercial Building Energy Auditor is an energy solutions professional who assesses 

building systems and site conditions; analyzes and evaluates equipment and energy usage; and 

recommends strategies to optimize building resource utilization.

2.2 Job/Task Analysis DACUM Chart for Building Energy Auditor

A proposed content outline resulting from this Job/Task Analysis follows.

Table 1. Duties and Tasks of Building Energy Auditor

Duties and Tasks

Final 

Weight

Final 

Items

A Communicating with Stakeholders 5% 5

1 Identify the owner's project team 1% 1

2 Review the scope and process with the client 4% 4

B Developing the Action Plan 7% 7

1 Conduct pre-audit activities 2% 2

2 Generate preliminary list of systems and assemblies to be audited 2% 2

3 Determine audit tools and forms 1% 1

4 Determine project schedule 1% 1

5 Identify safety and access requirements of the facility 1% 1

C Conducting Pre-site Visit Data Collection Activities 4% 4

1 Obtain utility information 1% 1

2 Obtain facility data from point of contact 1% 1

3 Gather historical weather data 2% 2

D Collecting Data On-site 21% 21

1 Obtain information from facility staff 2% 2

2 Obtain information from facility occupants 2% 2

3 Assess the building envelope 7% 7

4 Assess building systems and components 10% 10

E Analyzing Building Performance Data 25% 25

1 Establish energy and cost baseline 6% 6

2 Establish benchmarks 6% 6

3 Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown 13% 13

F Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance 30% 30

1 Identify deviations from best practices 6% 6

2 Determine energy impact of each measure 10% 10

3 Estimate implementation cost 4% 4

4 Conduct an economic analysis 10% 10

G Producing the Deliverable 8% 8

1 Write a summary audit report 8% 8
3

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Table 2. Areas of Specialized Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor

Areas of Specialized Knowledge

Air compressors Audit processes and tasks

Benchmarking Building automation control systems and 

programming

Building physics Building pressurization

Building sciences Building systems engineering concepts and 

principles (See Table 3)

Components of building and process systems and 

assemblies Data collection protocols

Electrical power systems Energy efficiency measures (EEM) and economics

Energy calculations (e.g. energy modeling) Engineering economics

Financial analysis methodologies and thresholds 

(e.g. life cycle costs analysis, ROI) General building construction materials

Greenhouse gas calculations Heat transfer

Heating and cooling degree days and balance point 

temperature Historic building practices

IEQ Impact of age of building on building systems

Industry accepted standards, codes and guidelines Industry equipment

Industry terminology M&V methodologies

Maintenance procedures and roles Measurement equipment (current transformers, data 

loggers, etc.) and techniques

Minimum required time period of utility data Onsite energy generation (CHP, PV, wind, thermal, 

etc.)

Operations within the facility Potential environmental, health, and safety (EHS) 

hazards and risks

Process systems and controls Rebates and incentives

Safety practices Sampling protocols and procedures

Solar mapping Systems interactions and integration

Types of audits (level 1, 2, or 3, etc.) Typical energy analysis methodologies

Typical energy usage by building type Typical percentage of end usage by occupancy type

Understand available data types for weather (bin 

data, hourly data, TMY, etc.)

Understanding of engineering practices and 

principles

Understanding of industry best practices for various 

building systems Understanding of utility bill information

Understanding of what an energy audit is Utility rate structures and schedules

When a building needs to be "tuned up" versus new 

installations Window types
4

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Table 3. Areas of Building Systems Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor 

Areas of Building Systems Knowledge

Air compressors

Building automation control systems and programming

Building HVACR systems

Building interior and exterior lighting fixtures and controls

District energy

Electrical power systems

Low temperature refrigeration systems

Onsite energy generation (CHP, PV, wind, thermal, etc.)

Process systems and controls

Service hot water and control systems

Water distribution and control systems
5

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Table 4. Areas of General Knowledge Required of Building Energy Auditor

Areas of General Knowledge

Calculations 

Perform simple math operations of addition

Perform simple math operations of subtraction

Perform simple math operations of multiplication

Perform simple math operations of division

Use a calculator

Compare numbers

Figure averages

Perform mathematical operations with fractions

Perform mathematical operations with decimals

Perform math operations using single and multiple digit numbers

Change numbers from percentages into decimals and back

Transfer number sequences from a source into a column

Solve ratio problems

Solve percent problems

Perform math operations using signed (positive and negative) numbers

Multiply and factor algebraic expressions

Collect information to solve a problem

Solve formula calculations with one unknown

Change numbers from fractions into decimals and back

Make rough estimates

Solve problems with graphs

Solve formula calculations with more than one unknown

Perform math operations using exponential numbers

Measure angles

Solve right triangle problems using Pythagorean theorem

Perform angular calculations

Solve right triangle trigonometry problems

Solve oblique triangle problems

Solve triangle-circle problems

Solve angle-circle problems

Solve oblique triangle trigonometry problems

Solve compound angle problems

Basic Measurement

Convert measurements from one unit to another (English to Metric, etc.)

Record measurements, using appropriate unit notations (feet, yards, etc.)

Measure area (square inches, square centimeters, etc.)

Read and use the scale of a drawing

Read measurements taken with common measuring tools
6

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Areas of General Knowledge

Basic Measurement (continued)

Use tools to measure quantities and solve problems involving measurements

Estimate and approximate measurements

Read, interpret, and use size-scale relationships

Read and apply coefficient measurements indicated in a table or chart

Measure temperature to within 1 degree Fahrenheit

Find the dimensions of an object from a scale drawing

Measure linear distances (length, width, etc.)

Measure volume (cubic inches, liters, etc.)

Calculate the perimeter and areas of common figures

Make simple scale drawings

Communications

Ask questions

Evaluate options/alternatives

Evaluate solutions

Listen

Write reports

Communicate using the vocabulary/terminology of a related trade

Communicate with co-workers and/or business people verbally (face-to-face)

Explain procedures

Follow verbal job instructions

Read information from tables and graphs (bar, circle, etc.)

Find information in references (Machinery handbook, tap/drill charts, etc.)

Read drawings and specifications sheets

Research information

Summarize information

Communicate with co-workers and/or business people verbally (telephone, radio)

Communicate with co-workers and/or business people in writing (letters, memos)

Read codes (building codes, electrical codes, standards, etc.)

Read statistical data

Write words and numbers legibly

Find information in catalogs

Read and follow a map, chart, plan, etc.

Read and follow directions found in equipment manuals and code books

Present to others

Participate in brainstorming

Read flowcharts

Read and interpret directions found on labels, packages, or instruction sheets

Compare names
7

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Table 5. Skills and Abilities Required of Building Energy Auditor

Skills and Abilities

Ability to communicate technical information to 

others Ability to comprehend technical documentation 

Ability to convert units Ability to determine tools needed for an audit

Ability to recognize abnormalities Ability to interpret scheduling tools (Gantt chart, 

milestone, etc.)

Ability to interpret thermography Ability to interpret utility bills, rate structures and 

utility contracts

Ability to use conversion factors Analytical skills

Basic math skills Basic engineering skills

Computer skills Construction cost estimating skills

Data collection skills Decision making ability

Detail-oriented Diagnostic abilities

Documentation skills Interpersonal skills

Interviewing skills Listening skills

Normalizing data Observational skills

Organizational skills Problem solving skills

Programming skills Project management skills

Quantitative analysis skills Reading ability

Technical writing skills Troubleshooting skills

Verbal communication skills Word processing skills

Written communication skills
8

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Table 6. Attitudes Required of Building Energy Auditor

Attitudes

1 Analytic 25 Pride in job

2 Detail-oriented 26 Work efficiently (time)

3 Critical thinker 27 Work in teams

4 Professional 28 Confident

5 Accurate/Precise 29 Meticulous

6 Common sense 30 Persistent

7 Free of substance abuse 31 Respectful

8 Organized 32 Team player

9 Dependable 33 Adaptable/Flexible

10 Quality focused 34 Patience

11 Focused 35 Work efficiently (resources)

12 Honest 36 Customer-oriented

13 Integrity 37 Multi-tasker

14 Safety conscious 38 Self-discipline

15 Cooperative 39 Courteous

16 Ethical 40 Creative

17 Good listener 41 Industrious

18 Punctual 42 Initiative

19 Responsible/accountable 43 Eager to learn new things

20 Trustworthy 44 Manage stress/pressure

21 Conscientious 45 Positive attitude

22 Goal-oriented 46 Self-control

23 Good time manager 47 Tactful

24 Lack of prejudice (bias) 48 Tolerant
9

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Table 7. Tools, Equipment and Resources Required by Building Energy Auditor

Tools, Equipment, and Resources

Audit tools (See Table 8)

Best practices guides

Computer

Cost estimation guides

EPA Portfolio Manager

Internet

Local and federal OSHA requirements

OSHA

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Project management software (Project, Excel, etc.)

Spreadsheet and simulation software

Standards, codes, and guidelines ( See Table 9)

US Energy Information Agency database

Weather databases (NOAA, utility companies, airport, etc.)

Table 8. Audit Tools Required by Building Energy Auditor

Audit Tools

Equipment

Air flow measurement devices Ballast discriminator

Black tape Calculator

Camera CO2 meter

Combustion Analyzer Compressed air/steam leak detector

Data logger Duct Sizing tools

Flashlight Infrared camera

Length measuring tool (tape measure, laser 

measure, etc.) Light level meter

Manometer Mirror

Non-contact thermometer Pipe Sizer

Power measurement tools Psychrometric measurement tool

Relative humidity sensor Sound level meter

Stopwatch Tachometer

Temperature sensor Ultra sonic flow meter

Velometer

Software

3EPlus AirMaster

Blast CAD Viewer

DOE2 EERE

E-Grid Energy Plus
10

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Audit Tools

Software (continued)

EPA Portfolio manager eQuest

FEMP BLCC (Federal Energy Management 

Program, Building Life Cycle Costing) HAP - carrier

IES MotorMaster

Open Studio Phast (DOE tool)

Photometrics PV Watts

Spreadsheet Trace 700 - Trane

Transys

Table 9. Standards, Codes, and Guidelines for Building Energy Auditor

Standards, Codes, and Guidelines

ASHRAE Standards

See ASHRAE Procedures for additional sources

ASHRAE Standards 15 -- Safety Standards for Refrigeration Systems

ASHRAE Standards 34 -- Designation and Safety Classifications of Refrigerants

ASHRAE Standards 41.1 -- Standard Method for Temperature Measurement

ASHRAE Standards 41.7 -- Method Test for Measurement of Flow of Gas

ASHRAE Standards 55 -- Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

ASHRAE Standards 62.1 -- Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

ASHRAE Standards 90.1 -- Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings

ASHRAE Standards 100 -- Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings

ASHRAE Standards 105 -- Standard Method of Measuring and Expressing Building Energy Performance 

ASHRAE Standards 134 -- Graphic Symbols for Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 

Systems 

ASHRAE Standards 154 -- Ventilation for Cooking Operations

ASHRAE Standards 169 -- Weather Data for Building Design Standards

ASHRAE Standards 170 -- Ventilation for Health Care Facilities

ASHRAE Standards 180 -- Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building 

HVAC Systems

ASHRAE Standards 189.1 -- Standard for Design of High Performance Green Buildings

ASHRAE Standards 211 (P) -- Standard for Conducting commercial Building Audits

BSR/ASHRAE/USGBC/ASPE/AWWA Standard 191(P) -- Standard for the Efficient Use of Water in 

Building, Site, and Mechanical Systems

ASHRAE Guides, Etc.

See ASHRAE Procedures for additional sources

ASHRAE Guide 10 -- Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments

ASHRAE Guide 11 -- Field Testing of HVAC Controls Performance

ASHRAE Guide 12 -- Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis with Building Water Systems

ASHRAE Guide 14 -- Measurement of Energy and Demand Savings

ASHRAE Guide 22 -- Instrumentation for Monitoring of Chilled Water Plant Efficiency 

ASHRAE Guide 32 -- Sustainable High Performance Operation and Maintenance

ASHRAE Guide -- Energy Efficiency Guides for Existing Commercial Buildings: Business Case

ASHRAE Guide -- Energy Efficiency Guides for Existing Commercial Buildings: Technical Case
11

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Standards, Codes, and Guidelines

ASTM Standards

ASTM Standard E1934-10 -- Standard Guide for Examining Electrical and Mechanical Equipment with 

Infrared Thermograph

ASTM Standard E1311-2010 -- Standard Test Methods for Minimum Temperature Detection Difference 

for Thermal Imaging Systems

Most current editions of:

AEE -- Handbook of Energy Audits

AEE Reference Books

American Institute of Architects -- Guideline for the Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities

ASHRAE -- Building Performance Metrics Best Practices

ASHRAE -- Handbooks: Fundamentals, Systems, Applications, Refrigeration

ASHRAE -- Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits; 2nd Editions

ASHRAE/ASPE/AWW -- Water Condition Standards

Cost Estimating Guides

ECAM (Energy Charting and Metrics)

EERE (Air Master, Motor Master, etc.)

FEMP M&V Guidelines

General OSHA Guidelines

Illuminating Engineering Society -- The Lighting Handbook

International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol

MICA -- National Mechanical Insulation Standards

NIST -- Handbook 135 Life Cycle Costing Manual for Federal Energy Management Program
12

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Table 10. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Communicating with Stakeholders

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Identify the owner's project team

Conduct a meeting with the client's 

representative

• Computer skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Verbal 

communication skills

• Written 

communication skills

Create the project contact list

Identify the responsibilities of the owner's 

project team members 

Determine problem resolution 

methodologies

Review the scope and process with the client

Review the scope of work with client • Industry accepted 

standards, codes and 

guidelines

• Safety practices

• Understanding of what an 

energy audit is 

• Computer skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Project management 

skills

• Verbal 

communication skills

• Written 

communication skills

• Computer

• OSHA

• Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 

Table 9)

Outline process of how the audit will be 

conducted

Discuss contract concerns

Discuss site specific requirements (access, 

safety, etc.)

Determine schedule with client

Discuss reporting requirements (scheduling 

of reporting, to whom, etc.)

Table 11. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Developing the Action Plan

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Conduct pre-audit activities

Read building owners objectives and criteria • Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

• Reading ability • Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 
13

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Read scope of work principles 

• Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Industry accepted 

standards, codes and 

guidelines

• Industry terminology

• Types of audits (level 1, 2, 

or 3, etc.)

Table 9)

Read energy audit contract

Identify criteria for determining success

Review the auditor's project team roles and 

responsibilities

Assign audit team based on skills required, 

scope of work, and staff availability

Review final format of deliverable

Generate preliminary list of systems and assemblies to be audited

Read available existing technical documents 

and drawings

• Audit processes and tasks

• Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Historic building practices

• Ability to 

comprehend 

technical 

documentation 

• Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 

Determine the initial equipment to be Table 9)

audited

Determine initial building assemblies to be 

audited

Determine the performance parameters to 

be measured

Determine audit tools and forms

Determine methodology for energy analysis 

(energy model, bin data, etc.)

• Data collection protocols

• Industry accepted 

standards, codes and 

guidelines

• M&V methodologies

• Measurement equipment 

(current transformers, data 

loggers, etc.) and 

techniques

• Ability to determine 

tools needed for an 

audit

• Audit tools (See 

Table 8)

• Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 

Table 9)

Compile interview questions

Select tools and equipment needed for the 

audit (data loggers, light meters, specialized 

tools, etc.)

Develop customized tools and forms if 

needed

Select forms for audits Typical energy analysis 

methodologies

Determine project schedule

Identify tasks • Audit processes and tasks

• Types of audits (level 1, 2, 

• Ability to interpret 

scheduling tools 

• Project management 

software (Project, Identify access limitations of areas in the 
14

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

facility or 3, etc.) (Gantt chart, 

milestone, etc.)

• Organizational skills

• Project management 

skills

Excel, etc.)

Estimate the time required to complete each 

task

Determine sequence of tasks

Create initial project schedule document

Identify safety and access requirements for the facility

Review site EHS plan if available • Potential environmental, 

health, and safety (EHS) 

hazards and risks

• Local and federal 

OSHA requirements

• Personal protective 

equipment (PPE)

Assess potential risks with identified tasks 

and type of facility

Identify required PPE

Verify emergency points of contact

Arrange for site access

Table 12. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Conducting Pre-Site Visit Data Collection Activities

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Obtain utility information

Request copies of actual utility bills from 

owners or utility company

• Energy calculations (e.g. 

energy modeling)

• Minimum required time 

period of utility data

• Understanding of utility bill 

information

• Ability to interpret 

utility bills, rate 

structures and utility 

contracts

• Verbal 

communication skills

• Written 

communication skills

• Computer 

• Internet

• US Energy 

Information Agency 

database

Obtain utility authorization forms as required

Obtain relevant information from the utility 

representative

Obtain utility rate structures • Utility rate structures and 

Obtain utility contracts (third party suppliers, schedules

delivery company, etc.)

Obtain information about utility incentive 

programs

Verify data obtained is correct and complete
15

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Obtain facility data from point of contact

Request equipment list • Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Ability to 

comprehend 

technical 

documentation 

• Verbal 

communication skills

• Written 

communication skills

• Computer

• Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 

Table 9)

Request maintenance logs and work orders

Request latest capital improvement plan

Request any technical documents

Request results of any previously completed 

audit reports and whether recommendations 

were implemented

Request results of any previously 

completed, in process or planned 

renovations or upgrades

Request building operating plans

Request operating schedules

Gather historical weather data

Identify methodology used to normalize data • Understand available data 

types for weather (bin 

data, hourly data, TMY, 

etc.)

• Normalizing data • Weather databases 

(NOAA, utility 

companies, airport, 

etc.)

Determine duration and interval of data 

required

Identify available weather location

Obtain weather data

Select methodology for filling in missing 

data

Fill in the missing data

Table 13. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Collecting Data On-site

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

Obtain information from facility staff

Interview key personnel on building 

systems/processes

• Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles

• Detail-oriented

• Documentation skills

Interview key personnel on operational • Interpersonal skills
16

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

concerns • Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Maintenance procedures 

and roles

• Operations within the 

facility

• Interviewing skills

Record responses

Follow up on interview question responses

Obtain information from facility occupants

Collect information from facility occupants on 

physiological and psychological perceptions 

regarding IEQ

• IEQ

• Sampling protocols and 

procedures

• Detail-oriented

• Documentation skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Interviewing skills

• Listening skills 

Record responses

Assess the building envelope

Conduct visual inspection (walls, roof, floors, 

etc.)

• Building physics

• Building pressurization

• Building sciences

• General building 

construction materials

• Heat transfer

• Solar mapping

• Ability to convert 

units

• Detail-oriented

• Ability to interpret 

thermography

• Basic math skills 

• Observational skills

• Audit tools (See 

Table 8)

• Standards, codes, 

and guidelines (See 

Table 9)

Obtain data to estimate overall heat transfer 

coefficients

Evaluate air-tightness

Evaluate the fenestration

Evaluate exterior shading

Evaluate the roof

Evaluate windows

Evaluate interior shading Window types

Evaluate penetrations

Document the observations

Assess building systems and components

Observe the condition and operation of the 

equipment

• Air compressors

• Building automation 

control systems and 

• Basic engineering 

skills

• Data collection skills

• Audit tools (See 

Table 8)

Observe the condition and operation of • Standards, codes, 
17

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and 

Resources

building lighting fixtures, controls and 

schedules

programming

• Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Electrical power systems

• IEQ

• Onsite energy generation 

(CHP, PV, wind, thermal, 

etc.)

• Process systems and 

controls

• Systems interactions and 

integration

• Detail-oriented

• Documentation skills

• Basic math skills 

• Observational skills

• Programming skills

and guidelines (See 

Table 9)

Obtain lighting fixture count and 

characteristics (ballasts, amps, etc.)

Obtain nameplate data

Obtain water distribution system fixture count 

and nameplate data

Evaluate ventilation requirements for the 

building

Evaluate IEQ

Set up collection of data and establish 

frequency and time period of data collection

Obtain spot measurements using audit tools

Compare trend data to spot measurements 

for validation

Collect data

Evaluate the accuracy of data collected

Document observations

Verify building and equipment operation 

schedules
18

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Table 14. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and Resources

Establish energy and cost baseline

Review collected data • Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building and 

process systems and 

assemblies

• Heating and cooling degree 

days and balance point 

temperature

• Systems interactions and 

integration

• Utility rate structures and 

schedules

• Ability to recognize 

abnormalities

• Analytical skills

• Decision making ability

• Detail-oriented

• Investigative skills

• Audit tools (See Table 8)

• Spreadsheet and simulation 

software

• Standards, codes, and 

guidelines

• Weather databases (NOAA, 

utility companies, airport, 

etc.)

Synchronize data collection based 

on time stamp

Identify factors that impact usage

Build a baseline model

Calibrate baseline model to data 

Evaluate the accuracy of baseline

Apply rate structure to baseline

Calibrate baseline cost to data

Establish benchmarks

Survey benchmark sources • Benchmarking

• Typical energy usage by 

building type

• Ability to use conversion 

factors

• EPA Portfolio Manager

• Standards, codes, and 

guidelines (See Table 9)

Select appropriate benchmarks

Convert data into common metric

Compare performance of building to 

benchmark
19

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and Resources

Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown

Determining categories for end use • Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building and 

process systems and 

assemblies

• Systems interactions and 

integration

• Typical percentage of end 

usage by occupancy type

• Utility rate structures and 

schedules

• Ability to recognize 

abnormalities

• Analytical skills

• Decision making ability

• Detail-oriented

• Investigative skills

• Audit tools (See Table 8)

• Spreadsheet and simulation 

software

• Weather databases (NOAA, 

utility companies, airport, 

etc.)

Analyze data collected by system

Compute energy use by system

Reconcile with baseline energy use
20

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Table 15. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and Resources

Identify Deviations from Best Practices

Interpret the data collected onsite 

and prior to the audit

• Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles

• Components of building and 

process systems and 

assemblies

• Energy efficiency measures 

(EEM) and economics

• Systems interactions and 

integration

• Understanding of 

engineering practices and 

principles

• Understanding of industry 

best practices for various 

building systems

• When a building needs to be 

"tuned up" versus new 

installations

• Ability to recognize 

abnormalities

• Diagnostic abilities

• Problem solving skills

• Troubleshooting skills

• Audit tools (See Table 8)

• Best practices guides

• Standards, codes, and 

guidelines (See Table 9)

Verify the rate structure is correct

Compare collected information to 

target or best practice of each 

system

Correlate data to make comparisons 

with activities occurring in the 

building

Enumerate potential energy savings 

opportunities

Describe proposed EEM in sufficient 

detail to develop savings and cost

Determine Energy Impact of Each Measure

Input each measure into baseline 

tool

• Building systems 

engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building and 

process systems and 

assemblies

• Greenhouse gas 

calculations

• Systems interactions and 

integration

• Utility rate structures and 

schedules

• Ability to recognize 

abnormalities

• Decision making ability

• Detail-oriented

• Investigative skills

• Quantitative analysis skills

• Audit tools (See Table 8)

• Spreadsheet and simulation 

software

• Standards, codes, and 

guidelines (See Table 9)

• Weather databases (NOAA, 

utility companies, airport, 

etc.)

Collect additional performance 

information as required

Estimate impact of each measure 

(maintenance and energy impacts)

Estimate impact of interaction 

among identified measures

Estimate emission and greenhouse 

gas impact as required

Identify M&V methodology as 

required

Estimate Implementation Cost

Identify material quantity for each • Building systems • Construction cost estimating • Cost estimation guides
21

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Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and Resources

measure engineering concepts and 

principles 

• Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

• Industry equipment

• Rebates and incentives

skills • Standards, codes, and 

Determine labor hours for each guidelines (See Table 9)

measure

Contact vendors and contractors as 

appropriate

Incorporate rebates and incentives 

for each measure

Estimate net cost of each measure

Conduct an Economic Analysis

Select economic analysis methods • Engineering economics

• Financial analysis 

methodologies and 

thresholds (e.g. life cycle 

costs analysis, ROI)

• Standards, codes, and 

Perform economic analysis for each guidelines (See Table 9)

measure

Prioritize measures

Table 16. Duties, Tasks, Steps, Specialized Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Tools, Equipment, and Resources 

Required for Producing the Deliverable

Duties, Tasks, and Steps Specialized Knowledge Skills and Abilities Tools, Equipment, and Resources

Write a Summary Audit Report

Draft audit report • Ability to communicate 

technical information to 

others

• Technical writing skills

• Word processing skills

• Standards, codes, and 

Review audit report with client guidelines (See Table 9)

Incorporate comments into audit 

report

Issue final audit report

Present report to client as required
22

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3 Examination Blueprint

The Final Proposed Examination Blueprint for Energy Auditor is shown below in Table 17. The 

exam blueprint identifies subject matter areas covered on a certification exam. Table 17 column 

headings are defined as follows:

Duties and Tasks: Description of the work

Analytical Weights: The weights calculated by taking the average of the tabulated individual 

ratings on frequency and importance (2 times importance plus frequency). See Section 6.2.

Holistic Weights: These are the weights calculated by taking the average the individual 

responses regarding the overall percentage that should be in each of the Duties and Tasks. See 

Section 6.2.

Final Weight: These are the weights agreed upon by the JTA committee during the postvalidation study webinar. See Section 6.

Final Items: These are the quantity of items (i.e., test questions) that should be on each 

examination in each of the categories as agreed to by the JTA committee during the postvalidation study webinar.

Table 17. Final Proposed Examination Blueprint for Energy Auditor

Duties and Tasks Analytical 

Weights

Holistic 

Weights

Final 

Weights

Final 

Items

Communicating with Stakeholders 9% 8% 5% 5

Identify the owner's project team 4% 1% 1

Review the scope and process with the client 5% 4% 4

Developing the Action Plan 21% 9% 7% 7

Conduct pre-audit activities 5% 2% 2

Generate preliminary list of systems and assemblies to 

be audited 4% 2% 2

Determine audit tools and forms 4% 1% 1

Determine project schedule 4% 1% 1

Identify safety and access requirements of the facility 4% 1% 1

Conducting Pre-site Visit Data Collection Activities 14% 10% 4% 4

Obtain utility information 5% 1% 1

Obtain facility data from point of contact 5% 1% 1

Gather historical weather data 4% 2% 2

Collecting Data On-site 18% 18% 21% 21

Obtain information from facility staff 5% 2% 2

Obtain information from facility occupants 3% 2% 2

Assess the building envelope 4% 7% 7

Assess building systems and components 6% 10% 10

Analyzing Building Performance Data 14% 21% 25% 25
23

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Duties and Tasks Analytical 

Weights

Holistic 

Weights

Final 

Weights

Final 

Items

Establish energy and cost baseline 5% 6% 6

Establish benchmarks 4% 6% 6

Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown 4% 13% 13

Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building 

Performance 19% 23% 30% 30

Identify deviations from best practices 4% 6% 6

Determine energy impact of each measure 5% 10% 10

Estimate implementation cost 5% 4% 4

Conduct an economic analysis 5% 10% 10

Producing the Deliverable 5% 12% 8% 8

Write a summary audit report 5% 8% 8

100% 100% 100% 100

To arrive at the final blueprint, the JTA committee was asked to consider the tabulated frequency 

and importance scales together with the holistic weights. 

Respondents were asked to provide a holistic weighting to the domain areas. Based on the 

responses, an examination blueprint was calculated for each domain. This information appears in 

Table 18.

Table 18. Summary of Respondent Holistic Ratings

Domain %

Communicating with Stakeholders 7.90%

Developing the Action Plan 8.65%

Conducting Pre-Site Visit Data Collection Activities 9.91%

Collecting Data On-Site 18.07%

Analyzing Building Performance Data 20.82%

Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance 22.78%

Producing the Deliverable 11.98%

The remainder of this document describes the process for conducting the job task analysis and 

administering the validation survey.
24

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4 Job Task Analysis and Survey Validation

NIBS and NREL organized a group of panelists consisting of 13 SMEs representing Energy 

Auditors to conduct a JTA using the DACUM methodology. The 13 experts are listed in Table 

19.

Table 19. List of DACUM JTA Participants

Heather Buckberry, P.E., CEM, LEED AP BD+C, PMP

Senior Technical Project Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Christopher Crall, P.E. Consultant

Gahanna, OH

John Dunlap, P.E., BEAP, HBDP, BEMP, HFDP, 

LEED AP

Dunlap & Partners Engineers

Richmond, VA

David Eldridge Jr, P.E., BEMP, BEAP, HBDP, 

LEED AP BD+C

Project Manager

Grumman/Butkus Associates

Evanston, IL

H. Jay Enck, CxAP, HBDP, BEAP, FLEED AP BD+C

Chief Technology Officer

Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc.

Duluth, GA

Cristian B. Harbaugh, EIT, LEED AP BD+C, BEAP

Engineer II

H.F. Lenz Company

Johnstown, PA

Jennifer King

State Program Administrator

State of Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Terry Niehus, P.E., CEM, CEA

President

Cudjoebay Consulting 

Cudjoe Key, FL

Sonya M. Pouncy, CEM, LEED AP Consultant

Detroit, MI

David Redding, LEED AP BD+C, HBDP, BEMP Technical Educator

Seattle, WA

Shiva Subramanya, CEM

Principal

Enpowered Solutions

Santa Ana, CA

Terry E. Townsend, P.E., FASHRAE, LEED AP

President

Townsend Engineering, Inc.

Chattanooga, TN

Jon Weiskopk, P.E., CEM

Senior Engineer

Steven Winter Associates

New York, NY

The DACUM JTA meeting was facilitated by Dr. Cynthia Woodley, psychometrician, and Ms. 

Tracey Paschal, project manager with Professional Testing, Inc. The 3-day meeting developed a 

list of seven domains or duties and 22 tasks through group discussions. 

4.1 Survey Development

The task list was used to build a survey that was delivered using an online mechanism. The 

survey consisted of two major sections: Demographic Information and Energy Auditor Tasks.

The draft survey was shared with NREL/NIBS/DOE staff for initial review and then NIBS 

volunteered to send the survey to appropriate respondents. Appendix A includes a copy of the 

survey.
25

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4.2 Survey Dissemination

NIBS sent the survey to several Energy Auditors. The survey was open for approximately 30 

days in the spring of 2014 for data collection, during which time email reminders were sent. The 

final dataset included 270 respondents, some of whom did not complete the survey.
26

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5 Results

All data were included in the analyses, since people who skipped a question or task rating may 

have done so either accidentally or because they felt that the item was not applicable to their 

position. The sample size is large enough (270) to allow reasonable confidence in the results. 

Results from the demographics questions will be presented first.

5.1 State of Primary Employment

The largest number of respondents reported working in multiple states or “other” for which they 

wrote in responses. The states with the largest numbers of respondents were New York (8.1%, n

= 18), Texas (7.2%, n = 16), California (5.9%, n = 13), and Florida (5.0%, n = 11). Table 20 

provides the summary.

Table 20. State of Employment of Respondents

State % # State % #

Multiple States 20.7% 46 Nevada 0.9% 2

Other (please specify) 20.7% 46 Oregon 0.9% 2

New York 8.1% 18 South Carolina 0.9% 2

Texas 7.2% 16 Alabama 0.5% 1

California 5.9% 13 Alaska 0.5% 1

Florida 5.0% 11 Arkansas 0.5% 1

Michigan 4.1% 9 Hawaii 0.5% 1

Washington 4.1% 9 Idaho 0.5% 1

Colorado 3.2% 7 Iowa 0.5% 1

Illinois 3.2% 7 Kansas 0.5% 1

Maryland 3.2% 7 Kentucky 0.5% 1

Minnesota 3.2% 7 Maine 0.5% 1

Pennsylvania 3.2% 7 Missouri 0.5% 1

New Jersey 2.3% 5 New Hampshire 0.5% 1

North Carolina 2.3% 5 North Dakota 0.5% 1

Ohio 2.3% 5 Vermont 0.5% 1

Arizona 1.8% 4 West Virginia 0.5% 1

Tennessee 1.8% 4 Louisiana 0.0% 0

Virginia 1.8% 4 Mississippi 0.0% 0

Indiana 1.4% 3 Montana 0.0% 0

Massachusetts 1.4% 3 New Mexico 0.0% 0

Nebraska 1.4% 3 Oklahoma 0.0% 0

Wisconsin 1.4% 3 Rhode Island 0.0% 0

Connecticut 0.9% 2 South Dakota 0.0% 0

Delaware 0.9% 2 Utah 0.0% 0

Georgia 0.9% 2 Wyoming 0.0% 0

Answered question 222
27

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Table 21 contains a list of the write-in comments associated with “other.” Several of the write-in 

comments were states for which the respondents could have checked participant states. However, 

Table 21 highlights international locations where respondents work (yellow highlight).

Table 21. List of "Other" Write-In Comments

“Other” Write-in Comments

Virginia Gujarat

OH, Maryland, California Spain

Worldwide India

Europe Europa, Bulgaria

Greece Spain

Most often Illinois France

Mexico South Korea

Iowa Italy

Entire USA Poland

Wisconsin Italy

Maine Turkey

Canada New Delhi-India

Louisiana UK

National China

Maryland, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania Oregon

Overseas Puerto Rico

Oregon Russia

International New Jersey

Ireland Rivers, Nigeria

Ethiopia, Addis Ababa NJ, NY, DE

District Of Columbia Italy

Greece & Missouri

Turkey British Columbia
28

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5.2 Highest Level of Education

Respondents were asked about the highest level of education reached. The majority of 

respondents indicated completing a graduate degree (45.3%, n = 120) followed by a Bachelor’s

degree (40.8%, n = 108). The result is that almost 87% (86.1%, n = 228) have a Bachelor’s 

degree or higher. Table 22 and Figure 1 depict this information.

Table 22. Highest Level of Education

What is your highest level of education?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Less than High School 0.0% 0

High School or Equivalent 1.1% 3

Some College 3.8% 10

Two Years of College/Technical 

School/Community College 9.1% 24

Bachelor's Degree 40.8% 108

Graduate Degree 45.3% 120

Answered question 265

Figure 1. Highest level of education

Less than High 

School, 0.0%

High School or 

Equivalent, 1.1%

Some College, 

3.8%

Two Years of 

College/Technical 

School/Community 

College, 9.1%

Bachelor's Degree, 

40.8%

Graduate Degree, 

45.3%

What is your highest level of education?
29

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5.3 Years of Energy Experience 

Respondents were asked how many years of experience they have in an energy-related industry 

(all jobs combined), not necessarily specifically as Energy Auditors. The majority of respondents 

(38.2%, n = 100) had more than 21 years of experience. Table 23 and Figure 2 depict this 

information.

Table 23. Years of Energy Experience

How many years of experience do you have in an energy-related industry

(all jobs combined)?

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

5 years or less 12.2% 32

6–10 years 22.9% 60

11–15 years 12.6% 33

16–20 years 14.1% 37

21 or more years 38.2% 100

Answered question 262

Figure 2. Years of energy experience

5 years or less, 

12.2%

6-10 years, 22.9%

11-15 years, 12.6%

16-20 years, 14.1%

21 or more years, 

38.2%

How many years of experience do you have in an energy related industry (all 

jobs combined)?
30

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5.4 Years of Energy Auditor Experience

Respondents were asked how many years of experience they had specifically as Energy 

Auditors. Even though the majority had more than 21 years of experience in an energy-related 

field, 32.8% (n = 87) had fewer than 10 years of experience, and 30.6% (n = 81) had fewer than 

5 years of experience. Together this represents more than 65% (68.8%, n = 168) of the 

respondents having fewer than 10 years of experience as Energy Auditors. The SMEs who 

reviewed the results of the validation study were asked if this represented a shortcoming in the 

type of individuals who responded to the survey and if additional respondents with more 

experience should be targeted. The SMEs felt this was not necessary and believed the responses 

to be reflective of the industry. They felt that because Energy Auditor as an occupation is a 

relatively new field, and although a majority had more than 21 years of experience in an energyrelated field, the majority with fewer than 10 years of experience reflected the fact that energy 

professionals had more recently transferred into the field of energy auditing. Table 24 and Figure 

3 reflect this information.

Table 24. Years of Experience Specifically as an Energy Auditor

How many years of experience do you have specifically as a Building Energy Auditor?

Answer Options Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

None 1.9% 5

5 years or less 30.6% 81

6–10 years 32.8% 87

11–15 years 9.8% 26

16–20 years 11.7% 31

21 or more years 13.2% 35

Answered question 265

Figure 3. Years of experience specifically as an energy auditor

None, 1.9%

5 years or less, 

30.6%

6-10 years, 32.8%

11-15 years, 9.8%

16-20 years, 11.7%

21 or more years, 

13.2%

How many years of experience do you have specifically as a

Building Energy Auditor?
31

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5.5 Work Sector

Respondents were asked whether they worked in a private or public (government) work sector. A 

majority (69.37%, n = 183) indicated they worked in a private sector. Table 25 and Figure 4 

reflect this information.

Table 25. Sector in Which Respondent Works

In which sector do you currently work?

Answer Options Response 

Percent

Response 

Count

Public (government at any level) 30.7% 81

Private 69.3% 183

Answered question 264

Figure 4. Sector in which respondent works

Public (government 

at any level), 30.7%

Private, 69.3%

In which sector do you currently work?
32

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6 Post-Survey Conference Call and Webinar

Based on this information, Professional Testing, Inc., facilitated a conference call on May 29, 

2014, to review and discuss the survey results. The meeting began with a review of the 

demographic question results to confirm that the sample appeared to be representative of the 

industry. The attending Energy Auditor SMEs agreed that the group of respondents was 

representative of the industry. They then reviewed the tasks that were flagged for potential 

elimination. The resolution of this conference call was to remove none of the competency 

statements.

6.1 Adequacy of Respondent Demographics

Based on the results of the demographic data, the JTA Committee felt that the respondents were 

demographically representative and the correct target population was reached.

6.2 Job Task Ratings

Twenty-two tasks were included in the final version of the validation survey. These tasks were 

grouped based on the seven content domains to be covered by the Energy Auditor examination 

scheme. The survey used a four-point rating scale for importance of task performance, using the 

following scale:

1 Not important

2 Somewhat important

3 Important

4 Very Important

In addition to the rating scale for task importance, the survey used a six-point rating scale for the 

frequency of the task, using the following scale:

1 Never

2 1% to 25% of the time

3 26% to 50% of the time

4 51% to 75% of the time

5 76% to 99% of the time

6 100% of the time

Responses were tabulated and means, standard deviations (SDs), and standard errors of the mean 

(SEMs) were calculated for the frequency and the importance scales. This information appears in 

Table 26.
33

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Table 26. Means, SDs, and SEM of Rating Scale Responses

Duties and Tasks Frequency Importance

Means SD SEM Means SD SEM

Communicating with Stakeholders

Identify the owner's project team 3.18 1.72 0.10 2.18 0.86 0.07

Review the scope and process with the client 3.97 1.44 0.09 2.66 0.60 0.06

Developing the Action Plan

Conduct pre-audit activities 3.66 1.50 0.09 2.33 0.75 0.07

Generate preliminary list of systems and 

assemblies to be audited 3.49 1.54 0.09 2.16 0.84 0.07

Determine audit tools and forms 3.49 1.62 0.10 2.12 0.86 0.07

Determine project schedule 3.34 1.55 0.09 1.98 0.84 0.07

Identify safety and access requirements of the 

facility 3.36 1.65 0.10 2.28 0.86 0.07

Conducting Pre-site Visit Data Collection Activities

Obtain utility information 4.08 1.38 0.09 2.72 0.56 0.06

Obtain facility data from point of contact 3.74 1.41 0.09 2.40 0.78 0.07

Gather historical weather data 3.10 1.71 0.10 1.93 0.91 0.07

Collecting Data On-site

Obtain information from facility staff 3.90 1.35 0.09 2.52 0.69 0.06

Obtain information from facility occupants 2.66 1.48 0.09 1.67 0.91 0.07

Assess the building envelope 3.34 1.53 0.09 2.20 0.80 0.07

Assess building systems and components 4.45 1.12 0.08 2.86 0.39 0.05

Analyzing Building Performance Data

Establish energy and cost baseline 4.16 1.35 0.09 2.71 0.59 0.06

Establish benchmarks 3.66 1.44 0.09 2.24 0.81 0.07

Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown 3.57 1.40 0.09 2.24 0.79 0.07

Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance

Identify deviations from best practices 3.44 1.52 0.09 2.16 0.84 0.07

Determine energy impact of each measure 4.18 1.21 0.08 2.71 0.55 0.06

Estimate implementation cost 3.77 1.49 0.09 2.57 0.65 0.06

Conduct an economic analysis 3.77 1.46 0.09 2.56 0.67 0.06

Producing the Deliverable

Write a summary audit report 4.20 1.31 0.09 2.74 0.53 0.06

There were no tasks with less than 2.0 on frequency AND importance; therefore, no tasks were 

flagged for review during the post-study meeting.

Responses to frequency and importance rankings were combined by doubling the importance and 

adding the frequency to arrive at a single scale. Table 27 shows the tabulated results. 
34

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Table 27. Combined Frequency and Importance Scales

Duties and Tasks Frequency Importance Combined 

Ratings

Overall 

Means SD SEM Means SD SEM Weights

Communicating with Stakeholders

Identify the owner's project team 3.18 1.72 0.10 2.18 0.86 0.07 7.55 4.09%

Review the scope and process with the client 3.97 1.44 0.09 2.66 0.60 0.06 9.28 5.03%

Developing the Action Plan

Conduct pre-audit activities 3.66 1.50 0.09 2.33 0.75 0.07 8.31 4.51%

Generate preliminary list of systems and assemblies to be 

audited 3.49 1.54 0.09 2.16 0.84 0.07 7.80 4.23%

Determine audit tools and forms 3.49 1.62 0.10 2.12 0.86 0.07 7.73 4.19%

Determine project schedule 3.34 1.55 0.09 1.98 0.84 0.07 7.31 3.96%

Identify safety and access requirements of the facility 3.36 1.65 0.10 2.28 0.86 0.07 7.93 4.30%

Conducting Pre-site Visit Data Collection Activities

Obtain utility information 4.08 1.38 0.09 2.72 0.56 0.06 9.52 5.16%

Obtain facility data from point of contact 3.74 1.41 0.09 2.40 0.78 0.07 8.55 4.64%

Gather historical weather data 3.10 1.71 0.10 1.93 0.91 0.07 6.97 3.78%

Collecting Data On-site

Obtain information from facility staff 3.90 1.35 0.09 2.52 0.69 0.06 8.94 4.85%

Obtain information from facility occupants 2.66 1.48 0.09 1.67 0.91 0.07 6.01 3.26%

Assess the building envelope 3.34 1.53 0.09 2.20 0.80 0.07 7.75 4.20%

Assess building systems and components 4.45 1.12 0.08 2.86 0.39 0.05 10.18 5.52%

Analyzing Building Performance Data

Establish energy and cost baseline 4.16 1.35 0.09 2.71 0.59 0.06 9.57 5.19%

Establish benchmarks 3.66 1.44 0.09 2.24 0.81 0.07 8.13 4.41%

Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown 3.57 1.40 0.09 2.24 0.79 0.07 8.05 4.36%
35

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Duties and Tasks Frequency Importance Combined 

Ratings

Overall 

Means SD SEM Means SD SEM Weights

Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance

Identify deviations from best practices 3.44 1.52 0.09 2.16 0.84 0.07 7.77 4.21%

Determine energy impact of each measure 4.18 1.21 0.08 2.71 0.55 0.06 9.61 5.21%

Estimate implementation cost 3.77 1.49 0.09 2.57 0.65 0.06 8.91 4.83%

Conduct an economic analysis 3.77 1.46 0.09 2.56 0.67 0.06 8.89 4.82%

Producing the Deliverable

Write a summary audit report 4.20 1.31 0.09 2.74 0.53 0.06 9.69 5.25%

184.41 100.00%
36

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

6.3 Tasks or Knowledge Missing

Survey respondents were asked if they felt any tasks or knowledge was missing from the JTA.

Appendix B lists all the write-in responses. The JTA Committee reviewed all the comments and 

determined that the following content should be added to the JTA:

• Information on Energy Modeling. To facilitate this, the SMEs requested that the term 

energy calculations be searched and where it appears in the JTA, the term energy 

modeling be added as a parenthetical example.
37

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

7 Conclusions and Next Steps

The JTA is the first step in the test development process; it is the primary source of evidence for 

the examination’s validity. The final DACUM JTA is now validated and may be used by training 

organizations to develop training programs and by a certification body or scheme committee to 

develop a certification scheme. The final DACUM JTA for Energy Auditors appears in Table 19.
38

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Appendix A: Energy Auditor Validation Study Survey
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Welcome!

The National Institute of Building Sciences Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council and industry stakeholders have 

a project to improve the quality and consistency of commercial buildings workforce training and certification programs for 

four key energy­related jobs.

In support of this project, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), and Professional Testing, Inc. are seeking 

members of the commercial buildings industry to participate in a nationwide research study validating job task analyses 

(JTAs) of four key energy­related jobs in the commercial buildings sector. The JTA is a procedure for analyzing the tasks 

performed by individuals in a specific job, as well as the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform those 

tasks. JTAs are critical elements of quality training programs and professional certifications.

Current industry practitioners whose work falls into one or more of the following job categories may complete a validation 

study by April 25, 2014. Each energy­related job area survey is nine pages. For each survey you will rate the frequency 

and importance of the work activities associated with each area of responsibility. Participation should take approximately 

30–45 minutes and individuals may complete more than one validation study, if applicable. When determining 

applicability, practitioners should focus on the details of the job descriptions rather than on the job title, as job titles 

frequently vary from one employer to another.

You do not have to respond to all surveys however we ask you to please finish any survey you start.

If you do not have time to complete the survey in one sitting, you can stop and complete the survey later (provided you 

use the same computer and have cookies enabled on that computer). The survey will resume where you stopped. If you 

do not have cookies enabled, the survey will start over from the beginning again.

Your responses will be kept confidential, and we appreciate your assistance. If you have any difficulty responding to this 

survey, please contact NIBS at dsmith@nibs.org.

On the next page you will be given the opportunity to select the energy­related job survey you are interested in 

responding to.
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Following is a description of the remaining surveys you may respond to. Please review 

the job descriptions and select the survey for which you feel most qualified. Please select 

the survey for which you wish to respond:

*

Building Energy Auditor ­ Energy solutions professional who assesses building systems and site conditions; analyzes and evaluates 

equipment and energy usage; and recommends strategies to optimize building resource utilization.

nmlkj

Building Operations Professional ­ Manages the maintenance and operation of building systems and installed equipment, and performs 

general maintenance to maintain the building's operability, optimize building performance, and ensure the comfort, productivity and safety of 

the building occupants.

nmlkj

Building Commissioning Professional ­ Leads, plans, coordinates and manages a commissioning team to implement commissioning 

processes in new and existing buildings.

nmlkj
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Please answer the following background questions. Your responses will be kept confidential and this information will only 

be used for statistical purposes.

In which state do you primarily work?

What is your highest level of education?

How many years of experience do you have in an energy related industry (all jobs 

combined)?

How many years of experience do you have specifically as a Building Energy Auditor?

In which sector do you currently work?

6

Other (please specify)

nmlkj Less than High School

nmlkj High School or Equivalent

nmlkj Some College

nmlkj Two Years of College/Technical School/Community College

nmlkj Bachelor's Degree

nmlkj Graduate Degree

nmlkj 5 years or less

nmlkj 6­10 years

nmlkj 11­15 years

nmlkj 16­20 years

nmlkj 21 or more years

nmlkj none

nmlkj 5 years or less

nmlkj 6­10 years

nmlkj 11­15 years

nmlkj 16­20 years

nmlkj 21 or more years

nmlkj Public (government at any level)

nmlkj Private
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Instruction Page

In the following pages, you will be asked to think about tasks that a Building Energy Auditor does and to indicate the frequency with which a 

Building Energy Auditor performs each task on a job. Then, considering the same task statement, you will be asked to indicate how important it is 

that a Building Energy Auditor knows how to do each of these tasks. To respond click the drop down menu and select your response. 
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

When a Building Energy Auditor is Communicating with Stakeholders, please indicate 

how frequently this task is performed on the job and how important this task is to a 

Building Energy Auditor.

When a Building Energy Auditor is Developing the Action Plan, please indicate how 

frequently this task is performed on the job and how important this task is to a Building 

Energy Auditor.

When a Building Energy Auditor is Conducting Pre­site Visit Data Collection Activities, 

please indicate how frequently this task is performed on the job and how important this 

task is to a Building Energy Auditor.

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Identify the owner's project team 6 6

Review the scope and process with the client 6 6

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Conduct pre­audit activities 6 6

Generate preliminary list of systems and assemblies to be 

audited

6 6

Determine audit tools and forms 6 6

Determine project schedule 6 6

Identify safety and access requirements of the facility 6 6

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Obtain utility information 6 6

Obtain facility data from point of contact 6 6

Gather historical weather data 6 6
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

When a Building Energy Auditor is Collecting Data On­site, please indicate how frequently 

this task is performed on the job and how important this task is to a Building Energy 

Auditor.

When a Building Energy Auditor is Analyzing Building Performance Data, please indicate 

how frequently this task is performed on the job and how important this task is to a 

Building Energy Auditor.

When a Building Energy Auditor is Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building 

Performance, please indicate how frequently this task is performed on the job and how 

important this task is to a Building Energy Auditor.

When a Building Energy Auditor is Producing the Deliverable, please indicate how 

frequently this task is performed on the job and how important this task is to a Building 

Energy Auditor.

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Obtain information from facility staff 6 6

Obtain information from facility occupants 6 6

Assess the building envelope 6 6

Assess building systems and components 6 6

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Establish energy and cost baseline 6 6

Establish benchmarks 6 6

Disaggregate the energy end use breakdown 6 6

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Identify deviations from best practices 6 6

Determine energy impact of each measure 6 6

Estimate implementation cost 6 6

Conduct an economic analysis 6 6

Frequency ­ How often is this task 

performed on the job?

Importance ­ How important is this task to 

the overall successful performance of a 

Building Energy Auditor?

Write a summary audit report 6 6
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Review the specialized knowledge below and indicate the depth of knowledge that is 

required of a Building Energy Auditor.

No knowledge needed Some knowledge needed Moderate knowledge neededExtensive knowledge needed

Air compressors nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Audit processes and tasks nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Basic business knowledge nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Basic statistics nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Benchmarking resources nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building automation 

control systems and 

programming

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building HVACR systems nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building interior and 

exterior lighting fixtures 

and controls

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building physics nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building pressurization nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building sciences nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Building systems, 

engineering concepts and 

principles

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Components of building 

and process systems and 

assemblies

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Consultant and client roles nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Data collection protocols nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

District energy nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Electrical power systems nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Elevation orientations nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Energy efficiency measures 

(EEM) most frequently and 

commonly identified

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Energy supply mechanisms 

(deregulation, etc.)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Energy units of measure nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Engineering economics nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Financial analysis methods nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Financial terminology nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

General building 

construction materials

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Greenhouse gas 

calculations

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Heat transfer nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Heating and cooling 

degree days and balance 

point temperature

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Historic building practices nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

IEQ nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Impact of age of building 

on building systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Industry accepted 

standards, codes and 

guidelines

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Industry equipment nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Industry terminology nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Low temperature 

refrigeration systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

M&V nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Maintenance procedures 

and roles

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Measuring equipment 

(current transformers, data 

loggers, etc.)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Methods of general 

construction and 

construction trades

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Minimum required time 

period of utility data

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Onsite energy generation 

(CHP, PV, wind, thermal, 

etc.)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Operations nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Potential hazards 

associated with various 

building systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Potential hazards 

associated with various 

pieces of equipment

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Process systems and 

controls

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Rebates and incentives nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Safety practices nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Sampling strategies nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Service hot water and 

control systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Solar mapping nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Systems interactions nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Thermal camera operations nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Types of audits (level 1, 2, 

or 3, etc.)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Typical energy analysis 

methodologies

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Typical energy usage by 

building type

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Typical facility 

organizational structures

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Typical percentage of end 

usage by occupancy type

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understand available data 

types for weather (bin data, 

hourly data, TMY, etc.)

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understanding of energy 

suppliers and types

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understanding of 

engineering practices

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understanding of industry 

best practices for various 

building systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understanding of utility bill 

information

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Understanding of what an 

energy audit is

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Utility rate schedules nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Water distribution and 

control systems

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

When a building needs to 

be "tuned up" versus new 

installations

nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj

Window types nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

Are there any job related tasks that are missing from this survey?

Is there any knowledge that we did not include in this survey that should have been 

included?

nmlkj No

nmlkj Yes

If yes, what?

5

6

nmlkj No

nmlkj Yes

If yes, what?

5

6
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

If a certification examination were to be developed based on this information, please enter 

the percentage of the exam that should be devoted to each of the content areas listed 

below.

(Note: Your responses should add up to 100.)

Communicating with Stakeholders

Developing the Action Plan

Conducting Pre­Site Visit Data Collection Activities

Collecting Data On­Site

Analyzing Building Performance Data

Identifying Opportunities for Improving Building Performance

Producing the Deliverable
Commercial Workforce Credentialing Council Job Task Analysis Validation

* Do you wish to respond to another survey?

nmlkj Yes

nmlkj No
51

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Appendix B: List of Write-In Comments

• 1. Be able to collaborate effectively with subcontractors in validating solution costs 2. Execute 

continuous improvement analysis on customer’s utility consumption and utility spend in-order 

to continually reduce customer’s building systems operating expenses

• 1. Organizing and leading audit teams. 2. Estimating level of effort appropriate versus budget 

and risk (i.e. Level 1, 2 or 3 audit).

• Ability to verify Equipment "Right-sizing" by performing calculations (HVAC loads, Pump head 

and fan Sp calcs, etc.) Ability to verify and match equipment size in place Vs Actual building 

occupancy and operation.

• Analysis of steam systems

• Analysis of surrounding landscape.

• Analysis of various building systems, especially HVAC, electrical, and piping systems. For HVAC 

must understand sequence of operations.

• Appropriate level of engineering calculations to support project

• Assess behavior modification applicability.

• Audit report composition. Audit report review. Use of energy audit equipment (as opposed to 

"knowing about" which is present).

• Blower door test and infrared scan of thermal shell

• Building Automation System Capability Assessment

• Building systems contractor

• Calculation of adjustments to benchmark data to account for changes in building parameters 

(examples: sq-footage, load, mechanical changes and weather) between the benchmark year 

and the current comparison year.

• Client Interview technique. Also, My answers were based on 80% of my work being SF and 20% 

Multi-Fam, two somewhat separate skill sets, smushed together.

• Collecting data for energy wasted by computer/electronic related loads; human factors; poor 

management decisions.

• Commissioning of systems versus retro-commissioning and their importance.

• Communication and interaction with people at various levels

• communication skills, multi-tasking, ability to do electrical measurements

• Continuing education on improvements in energy efficient products and their application

• Developing and using energy calculation tools to model energy usage for systems that do not 

currently have tools to accurately model their usage.

• Documenting the process, reevaluating the appropriateness of the energy analysis methodology

• Energy conversion factors for unit of gas, oil, coal, steam etc. consumed. Efficiencies of energy 

using equipment. Measuring air, water, steam flow

• Energy Modeling

• Energy modeling activities. Sometimes we use simplistic energy models to estimate energy 

savings from energy efficiency measures that have multiple system interactions or complex 

control sequences.

• Energy modeling and calibration of energy models

• Energy modeling, Energy Model Calibration

• Familiarity with building analysis software. Sufficient knowledge to make sure life cycle costs 

include all related expenses, including salary of the long term maintenance staff.

• Field Verification and Diagnostic testing; concepts, methods and tools, application
52

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

• Follow up, Quality Control during the process and delivery of the job. The worst concept develop 

over the years in construction business is TIME IS MONEY. Consumers will pay in bad way the 

speed the crews have to work based on schedules based on production not as Quality and 

responsible practices.

• Fuel usage by the facility (propane, diesel, natural gas, fuel oil #6, fuel oil #2). Occupancy rate 

(permanent and/or in transition) Storage spaces and type of materials to be storage. Hazardous 

materials disposition Safety and Security Regulations

• I am working with PNNL on the Commercial Building Score, and our assessors do a "basic" 

commercial audit Level 1 for the City of Austin's ECAD ordinance. This is a Portfolio Manager 

audit. My people need basic info, not engineering type info.

• I have may missed these points, but here they are just in case: Need to request for as-builts or 

design operation documents for systems. May have to contact manufacturer, installer or 

engineer Check EMS and EIS systems for system load profile and operations characteristics Once 

EEMs have been identified, conduct site testings or review trend data to supplement energy 

savings calculations models As part of a deliverable, be able to communicate the strategy for 

achieving savings, and how they were estimated along with the possible operations and financial 

risks As part of a deliverable, submit a savings tracking plan As part of deliverable, a summarized 

report is usually insufficient and must include calculations summary, equipment system cut 

sheets and site photos. Also include an in-person presentation.

• Implied in questionnaire but importance of performing cross-checks. Modeling using software or 

bin data or whatever can be useful but can also result in savings overstating what is possible.

Spreadsheet tools have similar issues. Balancing the use of both along with the research aspects 

to validate savings potential is important so here are some thoughts: 1. Modeling tools and 

resources 2. Spreadsheet analysis for potential savings 3. Researching publicly available studies 

regarding potential for savings. 4. Research to identify manufacturer and other claims that are 

snake oil.

• Initial assessment to determine if the building is in need of an audit or a remodel from the 

bottom up, instead of trying to overlay an energy management strategy. The saying goes, if you 

put lipstick on a pig it's still a pig! I have seen too many times businesses trying to "sale" 

something rather than addressing the buildings needs first to lower the overall consumption of 

energy before estimating an energy generation for a sick building.

• Just in general your survey was difficult for example asking about experience with compressed 

air systems in an industrial building is extremely important but in a commercial building not at 

all so. Similarly, there were so many questions/topics that are vital to industrial but not so 

commercial. This type of "confusion" pervades the questionnaire, making it essentially useless in 

"standardizing" qualifications for commercial building energy auditor.

• Knowing the expected useful life of various types of equipment; determination of peak demand 

savings; calculation strategies to determine energy savings

• Knowledge and ability to use modeling software

• Knowledge of lighting systems and latest technology. Knowledge of behavior issues and how this 

translates to energy savings. Knowledge of plug load and other devices. Running down data is 

very hard in most cases. Folks just do not keep up with utility bills and equipment maintenance.

• Made mention of in first questions, the importance of interviews with building occupants.

• Many times building auditing may write a contract scope to accomplish phased levels of 

performance. Contract or scope writing with legal authority and understanding of wishes and 

wants versus solid engineering for performance need to be delineated. Structuring a contract 

for performance needs to be written clearly for measurable results and be able to convey levels 
53

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

of expectation to the owner/user. If performance is linked to incentives then that rate or pay 

agreement needs to be clear.

• Modeling of existing buildings (Trace, eQuest)

• Most often, the Energy Auditor is also the "Point of Contact" to assist the Client to implement a 

project based on the findings and within the parameters of the scope the client set. So Project 

Management is often a related task that needs to be done well in order to realize a successful 

result.

• Occupancy related overrides or ignorance of the costs associated with energy ignorance.

Monitoring of individual areas for success through training of occupants or supervisors.

• Performing a building simulation. When it comes to envelope and HVAC, how do you expect to 

provide projected savings without a simulation? All the job related tasks covered in the Certified 

Energy Manager curriculum! Did you by chance think to use a CEM to write this survey? Pre-Site 

visit? Action Plan? That sounds typical of a government agency! "Well let's do a pre-site visit and 

spend time and money talking about how we'll do this job. Then we can develop an action plan, 

and let's make sure to get someone to sponsor dinner. Let's have a meeting to discuss anything 

we need to cover in our pre-site visit too!" Get busy with it! Go to the job site, and get started!

You start with recognizing any safety issues, and then you get busy with the "AUDIT" Look up

the meaning of the word! It's an accounting! An accounting of all energy use. While you're 

having meeting, my company will have already talked to the owner and his people, collected the 

data we need, and made any additional measurements, finished the analysis and given the 

owner a report outlining where he can save energy, how many dollars it will save, and how 

much it will cost! GET REAL!

• Presentation and explanation of findings to building owners/management

• Pressure testing

• Probably, but I am not a consultant for this activity.

• Pumps, Duct Work, Roofing Systems, Make-Up Air, Lighting Systems, VFD, Waist Stream, 

Elevators. Exposed HVAC Sheet Metal Duct Work Curb Adapters.

• Reading & understanding equipment data tags Matching calculated kWh and BTUs of all 

equipment to actual billing Pollution reduction for implementing recommended energy saving 

technologies or procedures

• report writing

• Report writing skills.

• The list is very complete however we use teams to complete these tasks and not every member 

needs expertise in every area. For example and engineer may understand the details of codes 

and standards while a technician may have more experience in using data loggers.

• Total Cost of Ownership OPEX to CAPEX Value Proposition Financing Options available Educating 

Customers

• True cost estimating for implementation of ECMs. We always use a Certified Professional 

Estimator (CPE) for our projects, utilizing the MEANS cost data guides. Without that, validating 

the paybacks is very difficult. This is where most audits fall flat when the implementation phase 

is executed.

• Types of audit tools available

• Understanding a customer's acceptable criteria for an energy project.

• Understanding appropriate level of calculation required for project type. Different types of 

calculations Knowledge of hourly whole building simulation
54

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

• Understanding of utility incentive programs my job for 18 years has been to conduct due 

diligence reviews of commercial building, industrial, and agricultural energy efficiency projects 

for utility DSM programs.

• Understanding the maintenance staff concerns and requirements. Understanding of the age of 

equipment installations and what this means for efficiency and cost of operations. System 

troubleshooting

• Unless accounted for in another category, performing energy savings calculations via 

spreadsheets and/or energy models is a required job task.

• Use of energy simulation tools.

• Use of ultrasonic monitoring equipment to find and locate pneumatic system leaks; even a small 

leak on a system can get really expensive. Extensive knowledge of building mechanical systems 

and maintenance program audits- I have seen several glaring cases of clients saying they have a 

great maintenance program, only to find their staff jury rigs actuators and dampers in ways that 

totally defeats their purpose and causes significant cost increases.

• using Portfolio Manager; speaking to the customer; presentation

• Walk-throughs or communication with decision makers

• Writing clear and concise reports than can be easily understood by different people with 

different skill levels and familiarity with building systems and financial analysis, etc. Data 

collection and building survey with photos. Life Cycle Costing and Payback Calculations

• 1. Experience and knowledge of conducting life cycle cost analysis. 2. Experience and knowledge 

of system repair costs. 3. Experience and knowledge of using HVAC energy analysis software

• Advanced HVAC Control strategies Troubleshooting Commissioning Reliability Flexibility 

Considerations Rebate and Grant programs Financing Options Project Management Scheduling

• Albido effect on lighting. Urban Heat Island Effect. Shading of the facility by trees. Wind control 

by trees.

• As an Energy Manager for almost 20 years for local Universities and Hospitals I'm very interested 

in the direction this new certification program is going. I can't speak nationally but I have 

extensive experience in the North West region, the AEE's C.E.M program requirements and 

certifications are held in high regard and are the standard for Energy Professionals. I would hope 

that your team looks to the AEE and reviews the programs they have had in place for over 30 

years. The Minnesota group of C.E.M.'s meet on a regular basis and are the best and brightest in 

the field, I hope there's a grandfathering process for current energy professionals for any new 

certifications being rolled out.

• As improvements in technology increases, there is an extensive void in the abilities of the folks 

maintaining these new systems. This is best seen at the local level (munis, counties and K12's) 

where staffs are under staffed and lack the knowledge of the systems being installed.

• ASHRAE Standards

• Basic knowledge of internet; basic knowledge of technologies using an android device, typing 

skills, oral communications. ROI knowledge.

• Building code requirements.

• Building energy modeling

• Building Performance Rating Systems

• CEM certification needs to a job requirement. It differentiates and identifies a true professional 

in this growing field. The examination process is rigorous and the AEE association is invaluable.

• Could be something related to simplified building dynamic energy use analysis tools?

• Defining what type of audit (Level 1, 2, or 3) for each question. Most answered centered around 

1 or 2.
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This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

• Detailed knowledge of industry accepted energy calculations is required to determine 

equipment energy use and savings. Understanding of client reporting requirements (i.e. NYC 

Local Law 87, NYSERDA, etc.)

• Discussing issues with the facility operator in such a way that they do not feel threatened by 

your presence. Lots of times auditors are viewed as people trying to determine "what is wrong" 

in a facility. It's very important to be viewed as an agent of change that can help the facilities 

group, rather than someone who is going to create more work/trouble for them.

• Do you know were the cafeteria is?

• Effect of surrounding buildings and adjacent landscape on the performance of the building

• Energy modeling activities. Sometimes we use simplistic energy models to estimate energy 

savings from energy efficiency measures that have multiple system interactions or complex 

control sequences.

• Energy modeling, Energy Model Calibration

• Envelope moisture issues (maybe included as building physics)

• Ethics.

• Fundamental engineering calculations in order to develop and use energy calculation tools to 

model energy usage for systems that do not currently have tools to accurately model their 

usage. Engineering calculation software (Excel, Matlab, etc.). Validate model results and tuning 

to using benchmarks, utility bills, typical usages, etc.

• Highly effective communication skills (written and verbal) in order to persuade the client to 

implement cost effective improvements. Otherwise the exercise was a waist of time and a 

failure despite all of the other valued skills.

• How building automation systems function. Building scheduling by occupancy type. Building 

control system optimum start. Best practices for central chilled water (chiller) plant operation 

and control. Best practices for boiler plant operation and control. Best practices for air system 

operation and control. Best practices for lighting levels and controls.

• HVAC

• HVAC design, Electrical design, Piping design need to be able to look at various systems and 

know what design changes can be made and at what cost. Must be able to do full energy 

analysis of modifications using building modeling or BIN energy analysis.

• I think there needs to be a little

• Impacts of energy codes/ISP on baseline development for measure savings under utility DSM 

programs.

• In my own energy auditing practices, I used the Energy Star Building Upgrade Manual as well as 

information about ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3 studies. I think also how to use the JTA for 

Commercial Building Energy Auditors (another NREL program I was involved in) for not just 

doing audits, but how this can be leveraged in selecting suppliers to accomplish the physical 

upgrade after the audit is complete. There is a huge book of knowledge available, such as the 

International Facility Management Association's recently upgraded BEX program for 

benchmarking.

• IPMVP, standards, codes and legislative decisions.

• Just the practical evaluation of a building instead a sales driven approach. I understand that 

businesses need to make a profit to stay in business, but I believe that the ethical part of 

surveying a building needs to be address rather than trying to sale a bunch of bells and whistles 

that end up in a lawsuit.

• Know what websites (governmental, utility, and vendor) provide information on determining 

and/or calculating equipment power requirement.
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This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

• Knowing to interact with and engage top management whenever possible to achieve energy 

conservation. WELL, THE LAST QUESTION LACKS AT LEAST ONE ESSENTIAL ITEM: ANALYZING 

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CONSERVATION ON A SYSTEM LEVEL (E.G., HVAC, LIGHTING).

UNLESS THE REPORTS PRODUCED BY THE BUILDING ENERGY AUDITOR ARE REFLECTING SUCH 

ANALYSIS, THE RESULTS MAY BE NOTHING MORE THAN FLUFF.

• Knowledge and ability to use modeling software

• Knowledge related to types of utilities and their relationship to Locale of facility. What is the 

relationship between the Energy provider and the customer? What are the financial resources 

available to the owner to implement the audited ECM.

• Math Life Cycle Costing and Payback Calculations Pricing for equipment and labor, or knowledge 

of where to find that information for new equipment

• Maybe something about where you are, the work they are doing, and what software they use?

• Mentioned above Small-Mid market space, industrial and commercial customers do not have 

dedicated staff. You become their energy advisor. Different skills necessary to educate 

customers and guide them towards a financial value proposition.

• moderate understanding of statistics as it relates to data and usage trend analysis, correlation 

(example: between benchmark and current sample), deviation from benchmark, etc)

• Motor knowledge, fan laws, pump laws, everything that is covered by a mechanical or electrical 

engineering degree! Everything that is currently covered by the Certified Energy Manager 

curriculum (CEM). Why the hell are you reinventing the wheel? If you want to call it something 

different, then just rename it. Statistics? Seriously? You go on to each site, and you account for 

every piece of energy using equipment, and how it's being used! That's why it's called an AUDIT!

You then apply your ENGINEERING knowledge to how you can reduce the energy use of each 

item, and compare that savings to the cost of improvement using Time Value of Money. This 

isn't exactly rocket science folks! It doesn't matter what statistics show. Most companies, or 

buildings, have there own personality. When you start bunching things together and just 

throwing what usually works, you can miss key items that can be big savers. Using statistics is 

like pre-judging, or prejudice. Keep your statisticians working with the spin doctors, and leave 

the energy audits to the scientists called Engineers!

• OSHA Regulations Environmental Compliance Issues (Air, Water, Soil) ISO Regulations

• Project management skillsets as a family are critical. Several of the lines hint at it but PM as a 

family is critical. Some form of formal training in energy auditing is critical. I was formally trained 

by the DOE's IAC program over more than 3 years. Some students are now receiving it in college.

However, most of the time it's still "on the job." Big gaps happen in knowledge if an individual 

has concentrated on design engineering and tries to switch from that to energy auditing energy 

management without training mentorship.

• Quantified tests for baseline data before retrofit

• Salesmanship packaging of the information in a way to get your message across.

• Same

• see above

• Spreadsheets & databases

• Steam system engineering.

• Steam system knowledge

• supporting new buildings/ extensive retrofit when existing information is not relevent

• test equipment what tool to use

• The strengths and weaknesses of sampling activities minimization of sampling tactics produces 

maximization of energy audit findings' effectiveness.
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This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

• Thermodynamic Fundamentals Regulation acknowledgment

• These seem to be missing from the list: Knowledge in energy modeling software tools and their 

shortcomings Public speaking and persuasion skills Ability to write new Standard Operating 

Procedure for O&M staff, or conduct training session to ensure persistence of savings Must have 

advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software tool

• Thorough knowledge of Hydronic systems, such as parallel pumping, hydronic balancing, etc.

• Types and use of audit tools available

• understanding of electrical distribution systems

• Understanding of lighting design. i.e., providing adequate lighting for task while achieving 

energy efficiencies and using right controls.

• Understanding of recommissioning.

• Yes, good to promote software skills, TREAT, HERS analysis, etc.

• Yes, same as above, in reference to commissioning. 1. Experience and knowledge of conducting 

life cycle cost analysis. 2. Experience and knowledge of system repair costs. 3. Experience and 

knowledge of using HVAC energy analysis software